Manipulating Political Socialization: The Most Powerful(less) Agent--Prospective Classroom Teachers.

Larson, James H.

This study surveyed the classroom teacher as an agent of political socialization. Subjects were 1,057 prospective teachers from five heterogeneous colleges and universities in the upper north central region of the U.S. Questionnaire data revealed that, in general, subjects felt politically competent and efficacious, had a limited knowledge of the political system, were not sensitive to various party appeals, and did not feel the need to involve themselves in political issues. The majority stated their party identification as "independent." Approximately 90% felt a strong obligation to participate in passive political activities such as voting and letter-writing. The total picture suggested a person who had passive, obedient orientation, showed little discrimination among political stimuli, and perceived the political system as benevolent. This relatively powerless orientation makes the teacher an ineffectual agent of political socialization. (Author/BP)